Turning black into green!

[onthefly]

patience grasshopper....

[christy]

Lily pily bushes are wonderful and hearty. Great hedges!

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

ROFL Marcellus - impatient, me?!

Thanks Christy, I'll hafta look them up!

[Rivlas]

What about putting in a raised veggie garden, raised because it's easier on your back, and also some fruit trees.
Alot of the plants you put in will depend on how much watering you want to do and how much water you have.
There are many natives that flower for many months and will attract birds.
Find a nursery near you and pick their brains. Also go for walks in established areas near you and see what has worked for them. Be brazen when you find them in the garden and ask what works for them and what didn't. You may get alot of cuttings which will save you alot of money.

[Kazbah]

If you want year-round colour, then lots of foliage plants, like cordylines / mondo grass etc will provide interest with low maintenance.

go for walks around your neighbourhood, you'll get a good idea of what does grow in your area, and the kind of plants you like. And the style of garden you like.

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

Thanks for your help guys

So, as much as I intended to go native, I made the mistake of looking at all the rose varieties I can get. I know they don't flower all year, so I'll have other flowers as well - but do roses need a lot of water?

[onthefly]

I think they require a fair bit of work, for some of the year at least